NEW YORK – The New York Giants have missed the playoffs for the past two years straight. Do you know what happens when an NFL team fails to make it to the playoffs in back to back seasons? Change happens. Passionate fans have been expressing their concerns or displeasure with the Roster moves that were made. I feel bad for the players that did not make the roster because I know they worked hard to shine. But I will not criticize GM Jerry Reese for having the guts to make bold changes after two down seasons in a row. There are a lot of new faces on the team this year and fans had to say goodbye to a few of their favorite players. If anyone thinks that Jerry Reese or Tom Coughlin made these moves to hurt the team, they are simply out of their minds.
The most surprising area of the team in 2011 will be the four rookies playing the linebacker position. A lot of people expected a big free agent signing to help out this young group but it did not happen. In fact, Reese kicked the table of conformity over completely and chose to keep four rookie LB’s (Herzlich, Jones, Paysinger and Williams) on the roster. I understand that player injuries forced a lot of the player moves made but the linebacker group is purely taking a shot in the dark at glory. I’m confident this young group of players have the talent to excel but they have to believe it themselves. It is going to be very exciting to see these guys flying around the field and making plays. My best advice to the rookies is simple, study the playbook as much as possible. Once your brain catches up to your body, you are going to be dangerous. The Giants have never had an Offensive Rookie of the Year and the last Defensive Rookie of the Year for Big Blue was LB Lawrence Taylor in 1981. Someone needs to fire up these youngsters to shoot for the ROY goal.
Were there some surprise moves made? Of course there were, like every single year there are. One move that wasn’t a surprise to me was P Steve Weatherford replacing P Matt Dodge. Dodge was given every chance to make improvements this year and will probably end up being a very good NFL punter, just not this year. That forced the Giants to make the hard choice of letting him go. I wish the kid well in his career and I’m sure that he will land on his feet someplace. The Giants special teams are just terrible and any roster shake up for the sake of improvement is welcome. Some were surprised by QB David Carr taking over the backup role for QB Eli Manning and QB Sage Rosenfels landing on the IR list. This is another smart move in my opinion because of the uncertainty surrounding the new offensive line. The G-Men need to be sure they have enough QB’s on the team in case the unthinkable happens. The running backs and wide receivers are two of the bright spots on the team and will be fine this season. However, the tight ends could end up being a problem. Reese will have to address this group sooner or later if Beckum or Ballard do not play well.
The cornerbacks and offensive line will need to step up the most this year. For obvious reasons we need the offensive line to gel together quickly and begin to play relaxed football. They need to feel confident that the man beside them will know their role and responsibilities. The cornerbacks were decimated by injuries this offseason and a couple of the guys will find their roles increased two-fold. If these guys can give the defensive ends enough time to reach the opposing quarterbacks, things will be fine. I’m extremely confident in the last line of defense with our safety group and their ability to deny any touchdowns if the CB’s get overwhelmed. Rookie S Tyler Sash has had an outstanding preseason and deserves his spot on the roster. DC Perry Fewell is smart enough to know how to use his guys the right way and will most likely get creative with the backfield this year.
In conclusion, I expect the Giants to make it back to the playoffs this year. It will be tough getting through that schedule but I think the injection of so much young talent will blend nicely by mid-season. Players will answer the call and step up big time in order to get Big Blue back where they belong in the postseason. The regular season starts in seven days.
What are your thoughts about the Giants final Roster? Do you think this group has the talent to return to the playoffs in 2011?
RD – nygreporter.com
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i know ive had my doubts about the roster,over who is staying and who was leaving.but i have to say,i actually feel good about the moves by the big blue brass.i knew last season that something needed to be done,and im one of those guys who is a big jerry reese fan and knew he would shake it up this year,i do believe that the giants will make the playoffs with this young group. my manager at work told me that he would rather hire someone new and teach him the right way from scratch, so he knew the job,then hire someone who had all the experience and knew it all,but had to stay on top of because he did things his way and not the right way.maybe its the same analogy,we had veterans who knew what they were doing and still didnt make the playoffs in two straight years,why not give the young guns the chance to learn and get better as they go and gel together to be good for years to come,and even though its a huge gamble,we all knew it was eventually going to happen,we just didnt think it would be this soon.and i do believe the young group of LBs will gel nicely.i do believe the g-men will get to the playoffs with this team,and i think it will be because of the defense.i believe with that pass rush,a lot of opposing quarterbacks will be hurried,which will help the young corners.i also know we have one the best safety tandems in the NFL,god willing they stay healthy,and they too will help the corners by flying around the ball,i definitely agree with that. i also believe that the o-line will be ready for washington,but my huge concern still, is special teams and eli mannings interceptions.being able to look off receivers is paramount,so time behind that o-line is of the essence.all and all,i believe our giants will be ready,and a lot better then expected.
Hey Bobby, I feel pretty good about the moves made too. I usually just need a day or two to digest what they have done. I also agree that they will be back in the playoffs but I cannot stop being concerned about the special teams. That is something that will effect the team all year. Giving up great field position to the other teams, not tackling properly, poor punts and kickoffs, all of that stuff adds up over time.
I hate to say it too but Eli Manning hasn’t looked sharp at all this preseason. I think we are all hoping the “real” Eli will show up next Sunday and be back to his old self. I don’t know what happened but I suspect it is the offensive line that has him concerned and really almost no time with these new guys. I hope you have off today and if so, enjoy it buddy!
i still feel we will be ready,and i do want to keep on topic.but i heard this morning that goff was another casualty for the season.i know you will have a topic on this one.4 days until kickoff and the mash unit keeps growing.i keep telling myself that things have to go up from here,but the goff news,like all the others who were hurt is devastating.i still like our team,they will find a way to win.waiting for your article on this one mr.domaine.
I hope so Bobby. I was beside myself when I learned about Goff going down. This is something that has truly become an epidemic. Are we ever going to field a full team man? Holy cow! They can try to find a way to win all year but without talented players on the field and using 2nd stringers against elite NFL 1st stringers, they are going to have a problem.
they seem to be really head strong about going with the guys they have.and i have faith in the roster that jerry reese put together,but the only thing that baffles me,is even with the cuts,they didnt go after someone at least released from another team.plus they resigned the 7 they waived,it just seems odd to me,but i guess we will see the tale of the tape sunday in washington buddy.i dont think the skins are going to be anyones pushovers this year,but i believe we can beat them if we dont hurt ourselves with penalties or turnovers.
You know I was thinking that too but they have to realize they are using 2nd stringers for a ton of positions this year. turnovers will kill us I agree with that. At this point with the regular season just 4 days away, I’m ready to sit back and see what they can do. I’ll probably write an article tomorrow but other then that I’m just ready to get it on.
just heard there working out the old giant kawika mithchell and a rookie receiver named depalma the jets let go in july.at least some moves are buzzing.4 days until kickoff,starting to get that big blue feeling.lets hope its not indigestion lol.
yeah they had a bunch of players come in for a work out. I heard there were up to ten players they worked out.
you know whats funny mr.domaine,the last couple of days we both have been saying how we like the moves, and the team the g-men put together,and every time we start to feel good about something,another injury occurs.if they do good,lets not say how good we feel about them,lol.
lol agreed. Although, I think you and I are nothing but good luck for the team. And you don’t have to call me mr.domaine buddy, just call me Rob.
thanks rob,lets kick it off and see what happens.looking forward to the next article,and hopefully its about how the g-men dismantled the skins.
I agree Bobby. It’s time for them to put up or shut up, as they say. Tonight’s game should be a good one too. I’m glad that Big Blue starts with the Redskins and not an elite team.